April 30, 2025
Wellness
Pregnancy with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: What I Wish I Knew (and How Concierge Care Saved Me)

Hyperemesis Gravidarum isn’t just “bad morning sickness.” It’s a debilitating condition that affects pregnant women—and it’s often misunderstood or dismissed. I’ve lived through it twice, and I’m sharing my story to raise awareness and offer hope. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and the right care team can make all the difference.

Pregnancy with Hyperemesis Gravidarum: What I Wish I Knew (and How Concierge Care Saved Me)

Each May, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Awareness Month shines a light on a pregnancy complication that’s still largely misunderstood—even in many clinical settings. HG is not just “bad morning sickness.” It’s a debilitating condition that can severely affect a pregnant woman’s health, nutrition, and overall well-being. I know this all too well—because I’ve lived through it. Twice.

During both of my pregnancies, I struggled with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. It was relentless—constant nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. It wasn't just a rough first trimester; it was months of physical and emotional exhaustion. HG made everyday tasks impossible and made pregnancy, which is often portrayed as a joyful time, incredibly isolating.

For those unfamiliar, Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a potentially life threatening pregnancy disease that can cause serious complications for both mother and baby if left untreated. Characterized by severe nausea and/or vomiting, HG often leads to:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Dehydration
  • Malnutrition
  • The need for IV fluids, antiemetics, and sometimes hospitalization

It affects about 1-3% of pregnancies, and yet it's often misunderstood or dismissed. Many OB/GYNs simply don’t have the tools or time to fully support someone going through this. Far too often, the only solution offered is a trip to the emergency room, which doesn’t provide continuity of care or the compassionate, consistent support this condition demands. 

That’s why I feel so strongly about the role Connected Health played in getting me through HG.

The Difference Concierge Care Made

When I say that Connected Health helped save my pregnancies, I mean it. Their concierge model meant that I had direct access to a compassionate, proactive care team that understood the seriousness of HG and responded quickly when I needed support.

  • IV hydration therapy was arranged swiftly and administered comfortably, without the stress of long ER waits.
  • Alana, the Physician Assistant, took the time to truly listen, track my symptoms, and work with me to find safe medication options.
  • Carla, the nurse, provided not just clinical care but emotional support, treating me like a person, not a problem.
  • And the entire team made me feel seen, heard, and cared for every step of the way.

Having a concierge medical team meant I didn't have to fight for care. I didn't have to explain my condition over and over or prove how sick I was. They already knew—and they were ready.

If You’re Going Through This…

If you’re struggling with HG, please know that you are not alone, and this is not “just morning sickness.” Your pain is real. You deserve care that’s consistent, thorough, and compassionate.

I can’t recommend concierge care highly enough—especially if you’re feeling dismissed or unsupported in a traditional OB/GYN setting. Hyperemesis requires a coordinated effort, and Connected Health offered exactly that. They treated me like a whole person, not just a patient.

Why We Need More Awareness

Hyperemesis Gravidarum often goes unrecognized or is minimized as “typical” pregnancy nausea. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed care and unnecessary suffering. HG can impact physical health, mental health, careers, and even decisions about future pregnancies.

By sharing our stories and raising awareness, we can change that.

To anyone navigating Hyperemesis Gravidarum:

You are strong. You are not making it up. You deserve better care. And it’s okay to ask for help.

If you’re local to the Pittsburgh area, I genuinely recommend reaching out to Connected Health to explore whether their concierge services could support you during your pregnancy. You don’t have to go through HG alone.

-TLG

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